Horse-crazy or not, if you like championship sport and fast-paced entertainment and fun, this is the event for you. An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, including Olympic champions, to the nation's capital to compete for more than $415,000 in prize money and championship titles. About 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunters, equitation and dressage events during the six-day show. Special exhibitions, unique shopping in 55 boutiques and a Pony Pavilion with free pony rides (Sat.) round out this family-friendly show.

WIHS, a non-profit organization, is proud to partner with the National Capital Area Chapter of Autism Speaks, an organization working to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.

Since its debut, the Washington International has been a popular Washington D.C. fixture visited by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages.

WHERE:

Verizon Center, 601 F Street, NW (7th and F Streets, NW), Washington, D.C., home of the Washington International Horse Show since 2000, as well as professional and college sports teams including the NBA Wizards, the NHL Capitals, the WNBA Mystics and the Georgetown Hoyas, concerts, family shows and sporting events.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take Metrorail or Metrobus to Gallery Place-Chinatown for an easy trip to the show.

HIGHLIGHTS:

$100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, Sat. evening

$25,000 Puissance (high-jump), Fri. evening

Dressage

Terrier Races

Pony Pavilion with pony rides (free event), Sat. 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

"Everyone is a Champion," celebration of special needs children and therapeutic riding (free event), Sun. 2:00-4:00 P.M.

TICKETS:

Tickets go on sale September 2, and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or call 202-397-SEAT

Groups: Organize a group outing to the show with your barn, club, team, school, church, or group of friends. For Group Ticket Sales, contact the Verizon Center Group Sales Department at (202) 661-5061. Group Sales can assist you with ticket discounts along with no service charge, special seating arrangements, promotional materials when available, and personalized service.

Over the years, notable guests included Alice Roosevelt Langford, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, President Gerald R. Ford, General William Westmoreland, Christopher Reeve, John Cleese, Bruce Springsteen, William Shatner, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Arthur Godfrey and many more.

Show memories abound, including in 1970, a carriage marathon with horse-drawn vehicles parading to the White House to give Mrs. Nixon a carriage ride around the South Lawn of the Executive Mansion.

The standing North American indoor Puissance (high jump) record of 7 feet 7 1/2 inches was set at Washington in 1983 by Anthony D'Ambrosio and Sweet N' Low.

In 2003 Christopher Reeve, in his last public appearance, made a memorable and moving speech at the show, receiving a six-minute standing ovation.